What is Qigong? 4 Keys to Learn it Righ and Fast

It is easy for everyone to find a definition of Qigong, but the true understanding of Qigong may differ for each person.

First, we need to know what “qi” is.

Simply put, the “qi” in Qigong is not the air we breathe postnatally (air), but the so-called “qi” perceived through prenatal breathing (body breathing).

So, what is Qigong?

On a superficial level, it involves placing the limbs in specific positions to allow qi and blood to follow certain routes. On a deeper level, the body can receive energy from the surroundings. Ordinary people receive energy from the world through two channels: breathing and diet. Qigong enables the body to receive energy through eighty-four thousand pores and specific acupoints and to utilize this energy through specific methods.

Advises for Qigong Beginners

When you start practicing Qigong, it is best to choose a quiet place that allows you to enter a tranquil state, known as “entering tranquility” in Buddhism. Beginners are easily influenced by external factors; seeing something beautiful, tasting delicious food, or hearing pleasing sounds can lead to daydreaming. Therefore, it is best to choose a place where there are no people. Of course, once you reach a certain level of skill, you can quickly calm your mind even in a complex environment, but this is difficult for beginners.

The Three Adjustments in Qigong

To summarize, practicing Qigong involves “three adjustments”: adjusting the body, adjusting the breath, and adjusting the mind. “Adjusting” means regulating or tuning.

Adjusting the Body

What does adjusting the body mean? It means relaxing the body, releasing pressure, and maintaining smooth breathing. During practice, you can sit, stand, walk, or even lie down on a bed. Your posture doesn’t have to be rigid, but it should be comfortable and natural without causing discomfort. As the saying goes, “If the posture is incorrect, the qi won’t flow smoothly; if the qi doesn’t flow smoothly, the mind won’t be calm.” For beginners, it is recommended to sit or lie down, as walking while practicing makes it hard to relax and focus. There is a saying in Qigong, “Stillness is better than movement,” meaning that practice is more effective when the body is still.

Adjusting the Breath

What does adjusting the breath mean? Breath refers to breathing, with one inhale and one exhale being one breath. Adjusting the breath means regulating your breathing. Adults usually breathe 13 to 20 times per minute, but during practice, this should be slower, ideally reducing to about 6 times per minute. Some Qigong masters can reduce their breathing to 1-2 times per minute. After practicing for a while, I managed to reduce my breathing to 3-4 times per minute.

There are many breathing methods in Qigong, but the two most common are natural breathing and abdominal breathing. Natural breathing is like regular breathing using the lungs. Abdominal breathing involves using the abdomen to breathe, gathering qi in the abdomen. You can try this: slowly inhale with the abdomen, let it rise, and then slowly exhale, allowing the abdomen to contract.

Adjusting the Mind

What does adjusting the mind mean? Adjusting the mind involves regulating your inner self and using your intention to guide the flow of qi in your body. Westerners translate Qigong as deep breathing, which is partially correct. Qigong essentially involves deep breathing, but unlike regular deep breathing, Qigong relies on the guidance of intention. Without this mental guidance, Qigong cannot exert its effects.

4 Keys for Qigong Beginners

Kongjin Qigong basic techniques, also known as the immunity method, are practiced for self-improvement and meridian regulation. After achieving self-regulation, one can begin practicing the emission of external qi to help others regulate their meridians and strengthen their bodies. The method of emitting external qi involves manipulating magnetic field energy without physical contact. This practice is highly scientific, effective, quickly harnesses qi, and is visually intuitive.

1. Internal Qi Absorption

Internal qi absorption involves using specific postures to draw magnetic field energy from nature (with oxygen being one form of natural energy) into the relevant meridians, converting it into bioenergy. This ensures an abundant supply of true qi, smooth operation, unblocked meridians, refreshed turbid qi, and balanced yin and yang, driving away evil qi. This meets practitioners’ goals and lays a solid foundation for emitting external qi.

2. External Qi Emission

The principle of Kongjin Qigong states that when the internal qi is abundant, it naturally overflows. Internal qi emission is the natural result of internal qi absorption, converting natural magnetic field energy into life energy. This life energy is then emitted through specific postures and techniques, providing the same benefits to others as self-practice. The significant energy of external qi can be visually observed, often causing the recipient to experience non-contact movements or activities driven by meridian motion. Some bedridden individuals who previously couldn’t stand or walk have managed to take a few steps with the help of external qi. This demonstrates the phenomenon of external qi regulating and activating bioenergy.

3. No Need for Intentional Focus

In practicing Kongjin Qigong, whether at the beginner, intermediate (practicing external qi), or advanced levels, there is no need to intentionally focus on, lead, or guide qi with the mind. Kongjin Qigong uses specific methods and meridian movements, regulated by finger manipulation, to adjust and balance internal qi without relying on mental guidance. The practice replaces mental focus with posture adjustment, avoiding deviations related to intentional thoughts.

4. Regular Circulation

As stated by Master Huang, the body’s meridian qi circulates 50 times within 24 hours. If it doesn’t reach this regular circulation, there may be problems with meridian operation. If meridian qi stops completely, it signifies death. Practicing specific Kongjin Qigong techniques ensures continuous internal qi absorption and sufficient internal qi overflow for external emission. This natural exchange between natural and meridian bioenergy maintains harmonious communication between heaven, earth, and humans. The principles “external qi absorption, internal qi emission, no need for intentional focus, regular circulation” are essential. Kongjin Qigong does not involve mystical operations, religious beliefs, chanting, mixing breath and intention, forcefully channeling dantian or ren and du meridians, or seeking solitude in a quiet environment. As long as the posture is correct, anyone can successfully practice.